ECSO: Man may have been hit-and-run driver

EFFINGHAM CO., GA (WTOC) -

A man came to the Effingham County Sheriff's Office Monday afternoon and told deputies he may have been the person responsible for a hit-and-run on Sunday night.

Mitchell Johnson, 47, of Guyton, was struck from behind by a vehicle, according to the Effingham County Sheriff's Office. A passerby spotted flashing light, turned around to find out what it was, and discovered a mangled bike and Johnson lying on the side of Hodgeville Road at about 7 p.m. Sunday.

Deputies and troopers with the Georgia State Patrol went to the man's home in Port Wentworth where his vehicle was recovered and taken for evidence, according to the sheriff's office.

Georgia State Patrol confirmed for WTOC the vehicle did have damage to the front end and paint samples have been taken to see if there is a match between paint on the car and paint from the bike.

Effingham County Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie told WTOC the man thought he hit a deer, but after hearing of the hit and run, had second thoughts about what he actually hit. Either way, McDuffie says no matter what you think you struck, motorists must always stop and call authorities.

"By Georgia law, any time you strike an object you have to stop. That's the law," Sheriff McDuffie said.

ECSO is not releasing the person's name and formal charges have not been filed. Johnson remains at Memorial University Medical Center with serious injuries.

The hit-and-run remains under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

Interim Glynn County Police Chief John Powell announced that the department is offering a $2,500 dollar reward on Tuesday for any information that could lead to the arrest of any person(s) who could be responsible for the death of 18-year-old Tashara Culbreath.

Interim Glynn County Police Chief John Powell announced that the department is offering a $2,500 dollar reward on Tuesday for any information that could lead to the arrest of any person(s) who could be responsible for the death of 18-year-old Tashara Culbreath.